Give thanks by giving blood in November

The American Red Cross asks that you give special thanks and help save lives by donating blood during the month of November, a time when blood donations typically decline and need remains constant.

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All eligible donors are asked to schedule an appointment to donate blood at Hood River Community Elks Lodge, Third and Cascade, on Friday, Nov. 23, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. by calling Margo Parker, 541-387-3669 or schedule online at www.redcrossblood.org (code: hoodriver).

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Many Americans will celebrate the Thanksgiving season by feasting on home-cooked meals and watching football games on TV. Some will even get an early start on holiday shopping before the month is over. With all that happening during the holiday season, it’s easy to forget there is a constant need for blood.

Blood products are routinely transfused to those with cancer and other diseases, premature babies, organ transplant recipients, and accident and trauma victims. There is no substitute for blood, it must come from healthy volunteer donors. And, since it takes about 48 hours to test and process collected blood, it must be on the shelves before it is needed in order to save lives.